EPISODE 154

 Back at Martin's,

Marianna asks him what he means by figuring things out. She says that she is a mess and his future is better off without her. She insists that the previous day was simply a break from reality. Martin says that neither of them knows how long they have till some evidence is found and the trial begins and that is why they should enjoy every moment together. Marianna looks at Martin like he has lost his mind. She says that for all she knows the trial could begin the next day. Martin says that however long they have, he wants to spend it well. She asks him what she means. He says that they should enjoy their time together and with Dianna. 

Marianna asks him what people would think if they knew the two of them were getting into a relationship, because of her past. Martin smiles and shrugs. He says that it's no one's business what they do and he is learning to not give too much importance to public opinion. Marianna folds her hands and asks him what about his family. Martin says that most likely they won't be too comfortable with his choice to be with her but like everyone else, they will get used to it. Marianna says that she wouldn't want to make him fight with his family especially Hernan and his mother. 

Martin tells her not to worry about his family because he will handle them. He adds that earlier Gabriela even asked him about them. Marianna asks him what happened. Martin tells her that he admitted to Gabriela that he was in love with her (Marianna). Marianna takes a few steps back. She takes one look at Martin and tries to leave but he holds one of her hands. Marianna starts to argue that he is better off without her but doesn't get to finish as Martin leans in and kisses her. Marianna feels her resolve quickly crumble. She uncurls her hands and starts to trace lines down Martin's chest as they continue kissing.

Back at Aurelio and Aranza's

Aurelio tells Aranza that she didn't eat much after the meeting. Aranza shrugs and says that she is not hungry. She says that it has been such a long and horrible day. Aurelio says that it has but she has to keep up her energy. Aranza shakes her head. She then starts to cry again and Aurelio hugs her. After some seconds, she breaks away from Aurelio and starts to walk away. He quickly catches up with her and holds one of her hands. Aranza tells Aurelio that they should take a break. He looks at her like she is crazy and says that he doesn't see why they have to. Aranza says that she or their future children might turn out to be like her mother. Aurelio cups her face in his hands. Aranza looks at him. Aurelio says that he loves her and what happened changes nothing.

Aranza says that when Helena's crimes come out and people start calling her the daughter of the psychotic killer and start treating her differently because of it, he will change his mind. Aurelio says that he will never change and his love for her is solid and not dependent on public opinion. He adds that they are growing old together. Aranza doesn't say anything and sighs. Aurelio holds one of her hands and says that he is going to make her some tea. Aranza stops him and says that she is fine. Aurelio runs a hand through his hair and sighs. He says that she needs something to calm her down and relax her. Aranza says that she doesn't want tea. Aurelio asks her what she wants. She moves near him and says that she wants to feel some sense of calmness despite the storms in her life. She adds that by his side she feels calm despite what they just discovered. 

Aranza then pauses and looks down for a few seconds. When she looks up, she tells him to love her as only he can. Aurelio, calling her my stubborn princess, tells her that her wish is his command. Aranza glares at him and starts to say that she is not stubborn but doesn't get to finish because Aurelio leans in and kisses her. Aranza kisses him back and wraps her hands around his neck. After some time, she removes one hand and starts to touch him. She wants to explore him, all of him. She can never get tired of him. Several moments later, Aurelio breaks away from her and holding her hand takes her towards the bedroom. The door is barely closed before they stumble together onto the bed. Quickly and with urgency, each layer of clothing is peeled off as they simultaneously kiss.

Back at Martin's house,

After some time, she reminds him that they are in the sitting room and they aren't alone in the house. He pulls away from her, smiles, and then kisses her forehead. Martin then holds her hand and guides her towards his bedroom. As soon as the door is closed, Martin turns to Marianna and cups her face in his hands. She looks into his eyes. He tells her that he is going to be there for her and they will get through the trial and whatever sentence is handed down together. Marianna shakes her head and says that it could be a long time and he has to move on and build a life without her. She adds that he should move on and when she is released, they will discuss Dianna's custody. Martin says that he is not going anywhere. Marianna rolls her eyes and glares at Martin. 

She tells him that he is stubborn. She adds that all she will ask from him is to bring her daughter to visit her as often as possible. Marianna tries to leave but can't because Martin has blocked her path. She glares at him but he only smiles. He says he loves her and come rain or sunshine, he will be by her side. Marianna says that he is crazy but she loves him as he is. Martin smiles at her and then starts to kiss her again. With equal passion, Marianna kisses him back. After several minutes, they stumble together onto Martin's bed. With equal urgency, they undress. When they are done, Martin lays Marianna on the bed and lays a trail of kisses starting from her face. When he reaches her mouth, they stare into each other's eyes and Marianna stretches out her hand and runs it through Martin's hair. They then continue kissing each other.

Days pass during which Anna Patricia, Gabriel, Isabella, Horacio, Gabriela, and Antonio (as the concerned parties in the matter) give their statements as part of Anna Patricia and Gabriel's move to adopt Ricardo. Naturally, Isabella and Horacio are vindictive and uncooperative and do all they can to make Anna Patricia and Gabriel's application look bad. They play up Gabriel's health issues and his living situation (he has been living in a hotel suite {not too fancy, as per his wishes} fully paid for by Montes De Alba Inc.).

The following Monday,

At the park,

The lady cleaner feels her pocket. The phone is still there. She takes a deep breath. What is she in the middle of? She tells herself that she doesn't want to put herself or anyone in her family in danger. She adds that she has to take the evidence to the police once and for all before someone finds the phone. She adds that for all she knows, the people in the audio could be searching for it and could find her with it.

At Montes De Alba Inc.,

Antonio and Gabriela are in the cafeteria. Antonio is quiet and pensive. Gabriela looks at him and says that he misses his grandmother. Antonio nods and says that he does. He says now that everything is out in the open, he hopes that she can come back soon. He says that he is worried about her because he doesn't know whether she is okay or not. Gabriela holds his hands.

She then asks him if he knows who helped his grandmother give the evidence to the police. Antonio says that he doesn't. He adds that they will have to wait for his grandmother to tell them herself. Gabriela says that she is shocked and amazed at what his grandmother has done. Antonio smiles and says that his grandmother is one of a kind and she has proved that she can match him, his father, and his grandfather, if not outdo them.

Elsewhere,

At the courthouse,

Adrianna and Marianna are in the garden near it. Adrianna asks Marianna why she asked Martin to leave them alone. Marianna sighs. She says that there is something she wanted to be the first one to tell her. Adrianna asks her what it's about. Marianna says it's about her parents. On hearing her parents mentioned, Adrianna is even more curious and asks Marianna what she knows. Marianna says Claudia contacted her and asked her to go to the police with the evidence indicating her (Adrianna) parents' deaths were fishy. Adrianna asks her how she met Claudia. Marianna says that Claudia came to Martin's house, under disguise one day, and told her everything and asked for her help.

Marianna says that she told her that because she didn't want it to come out and seem like she was lying. She adds also that she had to keep it a secret to keep everyone safe and prevent anyone from interfering with the police investigation. Adrianna says that she understands and that she would also have kept quiet if it was her. She then asks Marianna if Claudia tried to contact her again. Marianna says that she hasn't. She adds that it was probably safer for everyone anyway. Adrianna says that she was asking because of Antonio. She says that he hasn't mentioned it to her but he misses his grandmother and is worried about her.

Sometime later,

Gabriel and Anna Patricia are having a late breakfast at the hotel Gabriel is staying in. He comments that she is unusually quiet. She sighs and says that she has a lot on her mind. He asks her such as. She says that she is afraid that Isabella and Horacio will use the issue of his health and lack of a permanent place to stay against their appeal to adopt Ricardo. Gabriel says that given their past actions and the little concern they have for the child, they are in no position to judge. He then adds that with Helena and Carlos falling, very soon they will move into the mansion and raise Ricardo there.

He also says that they should focus on planning their wedding in the meantime. Anna Patricia looks at Gabriel surprised. He sips a glass of juice then smiles at her. On noticing her reaction, he casually asks her what was wrong with what he said. Anna Patricia says that he mentioned planning a wedding. Gabriel shrugs and says that he loves her and he will marry her. Anna Patricia fiddles nervously. He tells her unless she wants otherwise. Anna Patricia says that she wants that too. She adds that she was just a little surprised that he mentioned it so soon. Gabriel says that he has known her long enough to know that it is her that he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

Back in the courtroom,

Martin, Marianna, and Adrianna have sat together. Clara and Ramon are sitting behind them. Santiago sits near them. The door opens and Alejandro comes in. He glares at them and sits on the opposite side. The judge's name is announced and everyone stands then sits. The judge says that the case is about the custody of Dianna (reads out Dianna's full names; Dianna Cortes Holguain). Marianna asks herself why Alejandro is even there and he doesn't even love Dianna. Alejandro looks at Martin, Adrianna, and Marianna. He says to himself that none of them will ever be happy. He says that for as long as he is alive, he will do everything he can to make them pay.

Sometime later,

At the police station,

One of the police officers investigating Gabriel's accident as well as the baby switching issue and Emma's death is entering the reception, with a water bottle in his hand. He is stressed and under pressure. He says to himself that even with Marianna's evidence, they haven't made enough progress to solve Emma Valdez's murder or prove that Horacio, Isabella, and Alejandro were involved in the baby switching and drugging.

He looks around the reception and his eyes settle on a young lady. He says to himself that she looks familiar. He approaches her and she looks at him. He asks her to come to his office. Disbelievingly, she asks him, if he was talking to her. He says that he was. Still surprised, she stands, picks up her bag, and looks behind her. The people sitting are not happy that someone who just arrived is being served immediately and by one of the officers. She quietly follows the officer.

Elsewhere,

At Montes De Alba Inc.,

Hernan is in the cafeteria. He came to get a bite to eat. He sees Aurelio sitting in a corner alone. Hernan can see that he is deep in thought and that something is bothering him. Concerned, he walks over and sits near him. Aurelio looks at him but says nothing. Hernan asks him if he is fine. He tells Aurelio that he looks like something is troubling him. Aurelio sighs and says that he is worried about Aranza. Concerned about his sister, Hernan asks if she is fine. Aurelio says that she isn't fine. He says ever since they learnt about what possibly happened to Adrianna's parents, Aranza has been different. Hernan asks how exactly. Aurelio says that Aranza acts like she shares blame for her mother's crimes.

He adds that it is stressing and depressing her and, she has convinced herself that she will be like her mother and that she is some kind of evil spawn. Hernan sighs and says it pains him to know how much she is affected by Helena's crimes. Aurelio asks him what they will do. Hernan says that he will talk to his father first and, then they can find a way to help his sister. Aurelio says Aranza won't be happy when she finds out that he (Hernan) and his father know. Hernan smiles and says that his sister will likely throw a tantrum and say they are all overreacting and treating her like a baby. Aurelio agrees that Aranza will do that but what is important is that they help her.

Back with Gabriel and Anna Patricia,

He reminds her that she had said that she has a lot on her mind. Anna Patricia says that she is also worried about her son. Gabriel asks her if she is worried about his relationship with Marianna. Anna Patricia looks at him as if horrified by the thought. Gabriel folds his hands and stares at her. He then says that at that point it would be naive to believe that nothing is going on between Martin and Marianna especially after what Martin has done for Marianna and how they act around each other. Anna Patricia shrugs and says that she saw how much he was broken after Emma died and, she just wants Martin to be happy with a good woman.

Gabriel comments that she doesn't think Marianna is the woman for her son. Anna Patricia says that she has seen how hard Marianna has grown and how much she has worked to be a better person but, she wants someone with less baggage for Martin. She then adds that it is almost certain that sooner or later, Marianna will go to trial and possibly jail. She also asks what Martin will do after the trial, especially with a child in the picture. Gabriel says that matters of the heart are sensitive and personal and, she will just have to be there for her son as she watches how things go. Anna Patricia sighs and says that it won't be easy.